These are like Rubic's cubes...although you can solve them by hacking through logic, it is actually a mathmatical algorithm.

Snake Cube:
http://www.mathematische-basteleien.de/snakecube.htm

The spheroid...that's not a mathmatical one...not sure on a solution to it...trial and error will probably be the solution from the looks of it. I used to solve puzzles like these by looking at a picture of it and matching things.
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the snake cube looks interesting. you know that you are constrained to a 3x3x3 cube. you also know that each side of the finished cube will have that checkerboard pattern:

top: Dark Light Dark middle Light Dark Light bottom: Dark Light Dark

so the parity will help you rule out some partial "solutions." if you've had no success, but you've always been treating your starting point as a corner, try making it an edge or a center square (depending on the color.) good luck. I think you'll enjoy working this out on your own more than following some rote instructions.

on the sliding block sphere puzzle, it's kinda hard to see how that one works, only seeing it assembled. i'm guessing there are 6 pieces.

if they are all the same, you probably want to put two halves together, then fit the two halves into each other at an odd angle. you'll be surprised how it just works.

if the pieces are all different, (or are of 3 types) then one is a key. it will go in last. three are probably exactly the same, then two are similar to the first three with perhaps an extra tab or something. put the 3 together, then add the 2 on either sides of each other then the key piece should slide right in.

good luck.
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